Jan 12, 2009 Posted by Judith

Where is the Online Success Easy Button?!

I am perplexed as to why the assumption that succeeding online should be easy. I guess folks have bought into the hypey sales pitchy advertising of providers, consultants, developers and TV commercials whose only purpose is to get into their pocketbooks. What dismays me even more is how often potential business owners throw their hard earned dollars at these programs (even though afterward they admit it... read more

Dec 9, 2008 Posted by Judith

Customer Service Gives You an Edge!

When times get tough, business owners are even more selective about where they spend their company’s dollars. One thing that many online business owners don’t fully understand the importance of or take full advantage of, is the customer service aspect of having an online presence. Online, there is an expectation of immediacy. Whether that be with information that is commonly desired and... read more

Nov 17, 2008 Posted by Judith

5 Order Confirmation Tips

If you run an eCom site, most likely your system sends out an order acknowledgment e-mail upon receipt of an order. If you don’t have a system that does this — time to upgrade to one that does! When customers receive an order acknowledgment in their inbox after placing an order, that lends to your business being perceived as professional and credible. There are certain basics you need to make... read more

Nov 10, 2008 Posted by Judith

Business E-mail & First Impressions

Probably several times each week through one of my Blogs or postings out there online, someone gives me a hard time about how I am too aggressive with my opinions when it comes to business e-mail etiquette and that I make a “big deal” out of nothing. To me, when it comes to business, e-mail etiquette is common sense — and a big deal. They go on to say how all this “e-mail etiquette... read more

Nov 4, 2008 Posted by Judith

Business is Business is Business

I’ve been doing this long enough to know what works, what’s pure hype and what site owners need to consider to learn how to do business online. That’s the reason many choose to work with me. They know they’ll get the straight scoop with no ulterior motive other than to ensure their success. Business is business. Yes, some of the “how tos” may be different between the... read more

Oct 30, 2008 Posted by Judith

Laziness in E-mail Addressing

When I get addressed as “Dear Sir/Madam” in any e-mail, I know the Sender is lazy. How do I know this? Because my sites are so me. With just one or two clicks you know that “Judith” is the person behind the site. I’m not a Sir, nor do I consider myself a Madam! So, if one wants to contact me with a business related e-mail and uses this greeting, I know they are probably not... read more

Sep 29, 2008 Posted by Judith

Like it or Not, Opinions Are Formed by How You E-mail

It still surprises me how many folks think they can type like sixth graders and be taken seriously. When it comes to business, perception is everything. Whether you are a client, customer or provider; how you communicate with the written word will speak volumes as to what you think is important — and your level of education. See I am of the impression that educated people type in an educated... read more

Sep 16, 2008 Posted by Judith

Signature File Use

What is a signature line?  Signature files or “sig files” are the closing blurbs automatically appended to the end of each e-mail that you send.  Most folks have more than one so they can choose how to end their e-mails based on topic and level of formality required. Sigs can denote one’s Web site address, contact information or other personalized comments and are meant to be a brief... read more

Sep 3, 2008 Posted by Judith

Always Communicate Professionally with a Dash of Humility

Go to any of my sites and you know I am big on e-mail etiquette. It simply is a practice that allows you to be perceived favorably and professionally. Educated professionals communicate in an educated and professional manner.  Period. There is one business in particular that I work with that always comes off as terse and demanding in almost every e-mail they’ve sent. No Hellos or Thank Yous, no ... read more